SO, in the next chapter of the great debate on the future of Huddersfield's library and art gallery building, the piazza, the Market Hall and much else, the public are to be allowed their say.

There is to be an exhibition at the art gallery from tomorrow, detailing the seven options, and later a public forum at the LBT.

Thus far the council is to be commended and it is to be hoped that this openness will allay some of the fears of a hidden agenda that have been expressed by the council's critics - not least in our Mailbag.

The big danger now is confusion. It is vital to note how important a role in a new-look town centre is likely to be played by private developers.

So much so that estimates for the council's share of the costs in the seven options range from nil to £3.75m. Yet whichever scheme is chosen could cost up to £135m, a figure which would make the £50m spent on Kingsgate look comparatively puny.

The most expensive to the council is to do the least work: just repair the library and art gallery building. Give the developers chance to put up new shops and the cost to the taxpayer drops.

Some will not like that, some will smell a rat, but that is the reality. The council assures us that the final choice will be based on service needs, cost effectiveness and public opinion.